Mike Oliverio

Mike Oliverio lives in Morgantown, West Virginia. Oliverio served in the United States Army Reserve from 1987 to 1994 and reached the rank of captain. He earned a B.S. in business administration and management from West Virginia University in 1985 and an M.A. in business administration and management from West Virginia University in 1986. Oliverio’s career experience includes working as a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual Life.[1]

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1) Addressing the opioid issue

2) Public Safety

3) Economic Development[3][4]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

Education Public health & safety Economic developmentCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Mike Oliverio answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I admire public service. Those who put the needs of others above themselves.[4]

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I'm a pragmatic problem solver. No person or political party has a monopoly on good ideas. I like to work with others in an effort to solve problems and seize opportunities.[4]

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity Responsiveness Hard work Big picture thinker Compassion Thick skin[4]

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

All those in the answer to question 14.[4]

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe a WV State Senator has four responsibilities: 1) Introduce and deal with legislation 2) Confirm or reject Governor's nominations 3) Pass a balanced budget 4) Everything else...including, but not limited to, constituent service, community issues & initiatives, being a leader, mentor and a role model in my district and State.[4]

What legacy would you like to leave?

A belief that when I finished my public service people would know that our State and our Community is a better place to live, work and raise a family.[4]

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

As I started my school years, Vietnam dominated the evening news. It was concerning as a child to watch the evening reports. About a half a dozen years after Vietnam ended I began my own journey of service in the US Army. I am extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to wear the uniform of my Country and be a small part of that historical line of defense that separates Liberty from Tyranny. I met some of the finest people in my life while serving my Country. I strongly encourage young people to consider public service and military service. We cannot and will not remain the great nation that we are today without each of the ensuing generations taking up the mantle of service. Be part of something bigger than yourself and serve others![4]

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a daily newspaper delivery boy. I started just prior to turning 8 years old and would go on to deliver for the next nine years. I met everyone in the neighborhoods around my home. I learned a little bit about running a business. And made some lifetime friendships.[4]

What happened on your most awkward date?

My vehicle got pinned in for hours due to the way a fire truck and other emergency vehicles parked as they responded to an alarm.[4]

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

I love ‘em all in different ways! I’m a man of faith so I like Christmas & Easter.

I admire those who work hard and have served others, so I like Labor Day & Veterans Day. I love my country so we enjoy the 4th of July and Flag Day. I was born in August of 1963 the very month when Martin Luther King offered his ‘I have a dream’ speech, so we pause in January to remember his many contributions. I’m of Italian ancestry and we celebrate the accomplishments of Christopher Columbus. Abe Lincoln played an important role in WV becoming a State so we think of him in February during Presidents Day. I think of my grandmother during the Memorial Day weekend. She called it Decoration Day and the family went to the grave site and placed flowers and flags on the graves of loved ones who had passed.[4]

What is your favorite book? Why?

One of the first books I ever read as a young person during my school years was Profiles in Courage by then US Senator John F Kennedy. I learned to truly be a success it was more important to do what is right than to do what is popular at the time.[4]

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Let me take this question in a slightly different direction. As a child, I wanted to be Roger Staubach of the Dallas Cowboys. As I got a little older I admired his coach, Tom Landry. Coach Landry was an innovative coach whose calm and stoic demeanor enabled him to always keep his focus on the next play and the next, etc. When you see a college or pro team play today there are many things they are copying from him.[4]

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My TV brings the world into my home, but my favorite item is my bed. A wise man and mentor to me, named Joe Gurtis, gave me this advice. Find work to do that you are passionate about, because you will spend a third of your time working. Find a spouse that means the world to you and someone you love to be with, because you will spend a third of your time with her. And finally, buy a great mattress because you will spend a third of your time laying on it. That's a 24 hour day.[4]

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have run a successful business while at times serving in the Legislature and serving as an Officer in the Army Reserves. Wearing all those hats at the same time was a struggle. I'm glad I did it, though.[4]

(For non-Nebraska candidates) What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

The framers intended the House to work quicker and be more responsive to the will of the people quickly, while they intended the Senate to be more deliberative. I would say in the past that is the case in our State.[4]

Do you believe that it's beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes. Experience is a powerful teacher. I have had many years of experience in several different roles in the Legislative and Executive branches that I know will help me better serve my constituents in The State Senate.[4]

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

We have to solve the growing drug crisis. We have to grow, from a population standpoint. We have to improve and diversify our economy. We have to improve access to health care. We have to improve our horrible road conditions. We have to improve our public safety. We have huge shortages in corrections officers and law enforcement officers.[4]

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

I believe a Governor should lead and execute. But I also believe a Governor should be open minded to Legislators who have been elected from across the State and often come with good ideas. There should be some give and take during the budget process as it is the "power of the purse" that helps equalize the power between the branches.[4]

Do you believe it's beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. It's important to work together for the good of our State and her people.[4]

What process do you favor for redistricting?

One that produces districts that are contiguous and compact and have population numbers in the respective districts as close as possible.[4]

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Education Judiciary Transportation Economic Development[4]

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

My goal is to be the best State Senator I can be![4]

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you've heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I'm hearing more about the babies born to drug addicted mothers. My heart aches for those children and I'm saddened by the withdrawal symptoms they suffer after birth. They are screaming and crying for days as their bodies adjust. Who knows what long term effects they will experience. We have to get a handle on this drug problem.[4]